Drones have put aerial photography into the hands of the everyday person. It means you can get those stunning top-down images, photos of the world from above, and even of the horizon in ways many people rarely ever get to see. Between drone flying and the new rules and regulations, however, there are a few things you need to consider before you get started with drone photography.
Choose the Right Drone
The first step for any new drone photographer is to choose and invest in their first drone. There are a lot of different models out there that will change the way you take photos, and even more than that, what kind of photos you can take. Larger drones can carry heavier equipment, meaning they are better suited for professional photographers and videographers.
If you only want your drone to fly around with something small like a GoPro, then you don’t need to go above and beyond to make that happen.
Understand the Components
What you also need to understand is the components, and whether they can be replaced on the model you are looking at or not. If you click here you will see all the different types of components, what they do, and whether or not you can replace them. Being able to fix and upgrade your drone is a huge bonus, so look for those options.
Work with Your Budget
The final thing you need to consider when choosing a drone is your own budget. Don’t blow through it before first getting the hang of drone flying and photography. There will always be time in the future to upgrade your device later.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Once you have your drone, you will then need to practice. Read through the entire manual first before you start, and then begin with short flights to get used to the controls. Only once you can fly with confidence should you start to send it higher to get those epic aerial shots.
Follow the Local and Federal Drone Regulations
You will need to follow all the local, state, and federal laws laid out by countries you visit when it comes to your drone. For example, many states now require you to register your drone much like you would with a car.
Some places may only restrict drones for free use. In this case you will need to get a ticket or a license from that destination to allow you to take drone photographs.
Ensure Drone is Ready to Fly Before Each Launch
Now that you know how to fly, and have permission to do so, it’s time to fly. Before you launch, check all the systems, the weather, and your landing spot as part of your pre-flight check.
Tips for Finding Great Angles
Getting great angles and photos with a drone is far trickier than many people think. When in doubt, rely on old photography rules, and above all else, remember to stop your drone when taking a picture. While videos can be done beautifully, it is a lot harder to get a still of a moving image like that and not have it be terribly blurry. You need to be patient, because only then will you get the best drone shots.
